Chapter 146

Elyana wrapped her arms around Joxan, holding him close as if to make up for all the lost time in that single embrace. “I missed you more than words can say,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. Joxan beamed, his face lighting up with a grin as he leaned into her hug. Standing on tiptoe, he threw his small arms around her neck and giggled, “I missed you too, Mommy! And you smell like home!” That made Elyana chuckle through her tears. “You cheeky little rascal,” she teased, tapping the tip of his nose. She pulled back slightly to get a better look at him—his sun-kissed skin, the sparkle in his eyes, and the proud way he wore his tiny uniform. Once she confirmed there were no bruises or scrapes, her worry turned into gentle questioning. “Tell me the truth, baby. Are you okay here? Do they treat you well? Are you sleeping enough? Eating enough? Are you… struggling?” Joxan had never spent much time apart from her. He had always been by her side, even more so because of Jessica’s c